Ontario Construction News staff writer
Stellantis announced Tuesday it will invest $13 billion US over the next four years to expand its manufacturing capacity in the United States — a move that will shift production of the Jeep Compass out of Ontario, raising concern about Canadian jobs.
The shift of Compass production underscores ongoing uncertainty in the Canadian auto sector over plant investments, retooling schedules, and the impact of U.S. trade policies on Ontario manufacturing and local construction activity related to plant upgrades.
The company, formerly known as Chrysler, says the Compass, previously slated to be built at the Brampton Assembly Plant, will now be produced at the Belvidere Assembly Plant in Illinois. Stellantis says the investment will increase U.S. vehicle production by 50 per cent and add more than 5,000 jobs across plants in Illinois, Ohio, Michigan, and Indiana.
The Brampton plant has been shut down since early 2024 for retooling to build the next-generation Compass, but work was paused in February amid potential U.S. tariffs.
In a statement Unifor National President Lana Payne criticized the move, saying Canadian jobs are being sacrificed.
“Stellantis cannot be allowed to renege on its commitments to Canadian workers, and governments cannot stand by while our jobs are shifted to the United States,” Payne said.
Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown also expressed concern over the decision:
“I am deeply disappointed by Stellantis’ decision to end production of the Jeep Compass at its Brampton Assembly Plant. This announcement represents a step backward from its commitment to modernize and retool the Brampton facility – a commitment that gave its 3,000 workers and their families hope for a secure and sustainable future in auto manufacturing,” Brown said in a statement. “This announcement is disheartening for the thousands of highly skilled, highly trained and loyal employees who have given so much to this industry.
Brown also raised concerns about the shifting landscape of the North American automotive sector.
“As Stellantis and others invest heavily in U.S. operations, we risk seeing Canadian manufacturing eroded by trade imbalances, emerging tariff structures and incentive programs that favour U.S. facilities” he said.
“We urgently need a coordinated national strategy – one that includes stronger federal supports and clear measures to protect our workforce from the effects of unfair trade barriers and ensures that automakers see Canada as a viable, attractive destination for long-term production.”
U.S. plant investments announced by Stellantis:
- Illinois: Over $600 million to reopen Belvidere for Jeep Cherokee and Compass production, creating roughly 3,300 jobs (launch expected in 2027).
- Ohio: Nearly $400 million for the Toledo Assembly Complex to produce a new midsize truck, adding more than 900 jobs in 2028.
- Michigan: Warren Truck Assembly will receive nearly $100 million to produce a large SUV with EV and internal combustion options beginning in 2028, creating over 900 jobs. Detroit Assembly – Jefferson will receive $130 million for next-generation Dodge Durango production in 2029.
- Indiana: Kokomo facilities will invest over $100 million to produce the GMET4 EVO engine starting in 2026, adding more than 100 jobs.
Stellantis’ U.S. operations include 34 manufacturing, R&D, and distribution facilities across 14 states, employing more than 48,000 people and supporting nearly 2,300 suppliers.